Dallas Stars Send A Clear Message About National Anthem

While Mark Cuban now has to deal with a directive from the NBA to play the national anthem before Dallas Mavericks games even though he doesn't want to, the Dallas Stars have spoken and are making it very clear how things will go down prior to the puck drop at their home games.

"The playing of the national anthem is a time-honored tradition and the Dallas Stars will continue to perform The Star-Spangled Banner prior to our games at American Airlines Center. As the only National Hockey League team in Texas, we are proud to represent our state and our country."

Meanwhile, Cuban issued his own statement after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told the Mavs owner he will indeed play the anthem before games under league orders.

"We respect and always have respected the passion people have for the anthem and our country. But we also loudly hear the voices of those who feel that the anthem does not represent them. We feel that their voices need to be respected and heard, because they have not been. Going forward, our hope is that people will take the same passion they have for this issue and apply the same amount of energy to listen to those who feel differently from them. Only then we can move forward and have courageous conversations that move this country forward and find what unites us."

The Atlanta Hawks and Mavericks play tonight at 7:30 at American Airlines Center. The anthem will be played.